When you go shopping for clothes, accessories and footwear at the larger places like Bloomingdale’s or Harrod’s, do you first look for fashion logos or check out an item’s design and appeal to comfort? The reality in fashion is that no matter how much people want to individualize their own sense of style and even if some prefer thrift shops to buying from large retail shops, they will still be largely aware of fashion logos.
Why? It’s because these labels have proven themselves over time, have established a literal name for themselves, have gained popularity through ads and fashion campaigns and have associated their labels with certain traits, famous people and lifestyles that the average person wants to be, have or own. Take for example Louis Vuitton. As soon as people see luggage with that LV logo and its brown-and-gold theme, the immediate thought is one of a jetsetter with high-end taste, off to the Riviera to drink champagne.
Striking Fashion Logos
While the fashion designer indeed designs and creates the clothing and accessories of a fashion label, it is the fashion logos that people really remember. The logo is a reflection of the designer, so it depends on the kind of style a designer wants to project. Take the world-famous sports brand Nike and its swoosh. No matter where you go, whether you see it as public restroom graffiti or a torn tag in the trash, you know that that simple check mark is Nike and that it deals in sportswear. In addition, Nike is the Greek goddess of strength, speed and victory which are traits that have long been associated with the brand.
On the other hand, the Gap, which is a street-friendly fashion brand compared to more luxurious labels like Dolce & Gabbana, uses simple white text on a blue square background, making it more appealing to the masses because it is non-threatening and non-symbolic, it just is. But when you think about it, both fashion logos can easily be recognized by anyone, anywhere at any time precisely because they are each striking in their own way.
Trademarks with a Story
Although the first thing a customer will see in a fashion logo is its visual representation, the really interesting and note-worthy fashion logos are those that have some sort of story to them, instead of merely a name. The more interesting and unique a logo is, even if it looks really simple, the more it sticks to people’s minds and the easier it is to recall them. Hermes, the notable French fashion corporation, uses a horse and carriage which is a symbol depicting royalty and stature. By using this, Hermes has linked its name to high-class sophistication and elegance that goes way back to the kings and queens of old.
One of the most unique and interesting fashion logos is that of Gianni Versace: a circle depicting a drawing of Medusa, the snake-headed villain from Greek mythology who could turn humans to stone with a look. Versace has said that his logo is a symbol for fatal attraction, and it has become synonymous with seduction and glamor, bold and highly artistic fashion. Fashion logos are in themselves a reflection of their creators and if made well, will become the trademark and claim to fame of any fashion designer.